Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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164. To ask the Minister for Social Protection SOUND is seeking official recognition of narcolepsy as a disability so that their members cannot be discriminated against in the work place and that they are entitled to a disability allowance in the event that they are dismissed, their diminished ability to work prevents them from adequately supporting themselves in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23479/13]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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165. To ask the Minister for Social Protection SOUND is seeking official recognition of narcolepsy as a disability so that their members cannot be discriminated against in the work place and that they are entitled to a disability allowance in the event that they are dismissed.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23481/13]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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167. To ask the Minister for Social Protection his views on whether rapid access to carer’s allowance and domiciliary care allowance should be granted for those parents have had to give up or reduce employment hours to become carer's for their child or children suffering from Narcolepsy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23539/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 164, 165 and 167 together.

I wish to reassure the Deputy that narcolepsy is recognised as a clinical entity. However, eligibility on medical conditions, for any illness-related benefit/allowance will depend on the severity and expected duration of the condition, and in the case of carers the care requirements. All applications are assessed on a claim-by-claim basis.